Updates About Press Releases

U.S. Senator Gary Peters has announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, concluding a political career spanning over 30 years and positions ranging from local to federal government. Citing a desire to spend more time with family, Peters emphasized his commitment to finishing his term while continuing to advocate for issues affecting Michiganders.

The announcement surprised many, as his retirement marks the second consecutive open Senate race in Michigan, following Senator Debbie Stabenow’s retirement. Peters confirmed he has no plans to seek future elected office.

During a recent visit to a Neighborhood Wellness Center in Detroit, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II highlighted the state’s $17 million investment into 22 centers aimed at reducing racial health disparities. These centers provide free preventive health screenings and are strategically located to serve underserved communities. The centers offer services including screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, as well as flu and COVID-19 testing.

In addition to preventive health screenings, the centers also focus on substance use disorder prevention, piloting programs at seven sites with $250,000 from opioid settlement funds. These pilot sites offer free naloxone access and prevention education for combating the opioid crisis. Community health workers are available to assist with social determinants of health, including food, transportation, and housing. They also provide health counseling and referrals to primary care and senior services. This initiative is just one example of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve health care accessibility.

Find a Neighborhood Wellness Center near you.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced ambitious housing and energy initiatives at the Mackinac Policy Conference this year, increasing Michigan’s five-year housing production goal by 53% and securing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households. The initiatives are part of the MI Healthy Climate Plan that aims to build 115,000 housing units and incorporate measures to drive energy efficiency, with the ultimate goals of making housing and utilities more affordable for Michiganders.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has already invested $1.23 billion to build and restore homes, creating 20,000 new jobs. The Governor also proclaimed that the state has received $367 million in federal funding to support the Michigan Solar for All initiative and the Home Energy Rebate programs. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will head the project to cut utility costs, install solar equipment on roofs, and decrease the costs of energy-efficient appliances. Together, these programs aim to reduce energy costs and promote renewable energy for low-income Michigan homes.